Caree Risover charts her retirement through planning to implementation and enjoyment.

INTRODUCTION

There seems to be a scarcity of UK retirement blogs out there (other than those proffering financial advice) and in the absence of my being able to read about other people's experiences, I instead offer you my own "Great Big Retirement Adventure."

My husband (Mister E) and I have moved from the initial concept through the planning stages to implementation and this site is intended to record the whole process. What I am seeking from retirement is now very different to what I thought I was planning and has gradually developed into a quest for fitness and a desire for simplification, with a transition away from both a highly organised lifestyle and the personality traits reflecting a pedantic professional career. Indeed I recently described myself as "a goofy idiot" who enjoys smiling at sunflowers; a far cry from the pre-retirement professional and an indication of just how far I have travelled.

Please visit from time to time and do add your comments. The blog is in reverse chronological order but popular posts and those highlighting our journey are specifically pinpointed below on the right hand side together with a list of topics covered. Alternatively you may prefer to look at the summary or wisdom we have acquired or even our have done list with its retirement atlas and dip in and out of the blog using the links given.

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Saturday, 17 September 2016

Letting Go and Making a Difference

Three months into my third year of retirement and
it is good to realise just how far I have come.
Reflecting on the period of time that has passed, I can now look back
and recognise three different phases. They are not separate or distinct;
the boundary between them ebbs and flows but there is nevertheless an
obvious progression.

The
early days, weeks and months were a time for healing and recovery. An
opportunity to relax and to take the first steps towards a new
healthier, fitter self. There may still be some way to go but the
pattern has been set.

Gradually
and alongside those baby steps from enervation to vigour grew a sense
of letting go. Like healing and recovery, it manifests itself on two
levels: the physical and the mental. The clutter from both house and
mind is being dissipated. Life is simpler; the habits of a working
existence have been dropped. Activities and commitments have altered.
Although there remains much to clear out especially of a physical kind (
household stuff and clothes with no longer any clear purpose in
retirement), there is now obvious and steady progress.

A
milestone was reached this week when I even made the decision to change
the name on my driving licence from the birth name that I used
professionally throughout my career to the married name I have always
used at home. There are other changes that I know I shall be making in
measured and deliberate fashion over the coming months. To let go in the
early days felt brave, in Year 3 it is empowering.

Now
too I have begun to recognise the dawning of a third phase; the period
where I make a difference and which gives the motivation for getting out
of bed every day. Whether I am decorating at home or in our rental
property; clearing the garden; helping out in the Save the Children shop
or campaigning on its behalf; acting as Parish Clerk or as an almshouse
trustee; even just cleaning the windows: I am making a difference. To
know that I am achieving, that my pursuits are worthwhile and that I can
perceive the change as a result, is exciting and a spur for further
self-enterprise.

Life is invigorating and stimulating despite not
knowing what the ultimate outcome or next phase will be. After 27 months, retirement is
still novel enough that it remains an adventure into the unknown.

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Angel of the North

Angel of the North by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley is a regional landmark and significant as a focus for evolving hopes and fears. It is an apt inclusion for this blog which explores my own dreams and trepidations.